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Best Music Festivals near Reading

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Summer is among us, and that means the festival season is here. To gear you up for four months of fun, sun and mud, we’ve put together your ultimate music festival guide for 2022. If you’re looking for musical mayhem in a field near Reading this summer, we’ve got you covered.

Check out the best music festivals near Reading using our music festival calendar. . See you down there!

Cornbury Music Festival 8th – 10th July (Oxfordshire)
The organiser of a major musical festival in Oxfordshire has announced this year’s event will be the last.
The three-day event, which takes place at Great Tew, near Chipping Norton will celebrate one last year, before packing up for good.

Attracting tens of thousands of music lovers, celebrities, Royals and even the former Prime Minister David Cameron, Cornbury Music Festival it has been one of Timbageek’s favourites.

Cornbury Music Festival (also known as “Poshstock” because of its well-heeled clientele began in 2004 and has seen appearances from Amy Winehouse, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Tom Jones and most recently Seal, All Saints and Alanis Morissette.

This year 2022 you can expect artists of the calibre of the perennial Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, the ex-military troubadour James Blunt with theatrical rock popsters The Darkness, Scottish stars The Waterboys and a perfect Sunday finale double bill of Ronan Keating & Jools Holland, and many more.

Reading west will be there to support what has been one of the best Festivals in UK

Let’s all support 2022 “The Grand Finale Cornbury Music Festival”

Truck Festival 26th – 28th July (Oxfordshire)
Founded in 1998, Truck Festival is in its 18th year and, after its immense success in 2015, has now added an extra day to their weekend, welcoming families, teenagers, adults, newcomers and their loyal fans. They’ve already had double the amount of tickets sold currently than in 2015, only going to prove how in demand Truck Festival is, and this may have something to do with the amazing line up they’ve got in store for us this year.

The weekend’s atmosphere is incredible. With under-12s entering the festival for free, the festival family scene was big. With a fully stocked children’s tent, and Mussel Beach, the festival was ideal for families of a range of ages.

2018’s festival saw the likes of Friendly Fires, George Ezra & Courteeners, 2022 is as exciting, you can expect indie heavyweights Kasabian, Bombay Bicycle Club, man of the moment Sam Fender plus your special guest Saturday co-headliner The Kooks!! That’s not all, Thursday Entry will be topped off by the legends Blossoms. and many more

This is a lovely weekend to hang out with friends in the sunshine, whilst listening to music and watching the children play until they fell asleep exhausted.

Womad Festival 28 July – 31th (Wiltshire)
A music feast that will truly open up your kids’ eyes and ears to the world we live in. Performers hail from anywhere and everywhere: Cuba, Turkey, Honduras, the Congo, Bangladesh, the list is endless. Take the little ones on a round the world trip without the expense or the long haul flight. There are many family friendly festivals to choose from, so you’re going to have to make a call, and it’s a tough one. There are kids and adult workshops on world food, drumming and more plus special kids workshops creating artwork for the final procession. Under 13’s go free (mine is 7)

Boomtown Fair – 10th -14th August (Winchester)
Boomtown continues its internal festival narrative, loaded as always with metaphorical madness about independence and rebellion.

Above is their round up video from this years festival, which played with a theatrical theme of how power corrupts the mighty. The clip features a masked man making some seriously on point statements and a whole blast of festival flavor.

Fronted by one of the masters of technical electronic music Tipper, the annual August weekender in Winchester is once again looking like a must-attend event. With a range of House, Techno, Bass, Garage, Electro, hip-hip, indie, pop, grime, reggae, dubstep, and more and beyond into more experimental forms that Boomtown prides itself on – whatever your preferred flavour – there’s plenty for everyone.

At the time to write this article Boomtown 2022 line up has not been announced.

Rewind South – 19th -21th August
The Rewind Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in Temple Island Meadows, Remenham, Berkshire near Henley-on-Thames, England. It was first held in August 2009.

Originally called “80s Rewind Festival”, it showcases bands and solo artists that had success in the 1980s and as such is also known as the 80’s Rewind Festival. As well as music, in 2009 the site also featured a fun fair, street entertainment and artists from The Comedy Store.

Since its creation a number of additional attractions were included at the festival, including a weekend camp site, glamping, firework displays, theme bars, silent disco, roller disco, the Big Sing, live karaoke stage, and the Friday night welcome party.

Rewind Festival South so much more than just the music, it’s an emotional reunion of the crowd and artists.
An overriding feeling of gratitude and relief that we were all back doing what we love most, enjoying 80s music, definitely topped the bill this year.

Reading Festival – 26th – 28th August
The last couple of years I have found myself being a little excited of Reading Festival. Why? For the simple reason that the bands playing, especially the headliners, have really captured my idea of what Reading Festival is- first and foremost a Music festival.

This year I was thrilled when Dave, Artic Monkeys and Rage Against the Machine were all announced, not only are the artist & bands who have proved they deserve to be up there with their constant and expanding fanbases, but they bring me back to the idea of how I see Reading, a place where I could catch big acts I really admire among fans not just from my town (Reading) but others too and just take it all in in a special environment.
There’s still a wide mix of bands on various other stages, but the main stage has been preserved for acts who deserve to be there.

Wilderness Festival – 4th – 7th August
With an eclectic line-up featuring Music and the Arts, a range of Feasting and Dining experiences, Talks and Debates to inspire, a dedicated Sanctuary catering to your every wellbeing need, a Family Field to keep the little ones entertained, two beautiful swimming lakes and a whole forest ready for you to explore; it’s safe to say Wilderness is your perfect weekend escape.

This years you have artic of he calibre of Underworld, Jungle, Years & Years
Peggy Gou, Róisín Murphy, Jordan Rakei, Laura Mvula, Craig Charles, Binker and Moses anong others

Wilderness 2022 will take place on 4th-7th August. Sign up to the Wilderness mailing list to be notified when tickets are released –

Events

The Countdown to GuilFest Is On – Don’t Miss Out!

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Guilfest 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing – GuilFest is nearly here! With early bird tickets flying off the shelves and last year’s event completely sold out, now is the time to secure your spot for a weekend bursting with music, fun, and feel-good summer energy.

A Line-up to Remember

This year’s musical line-up promises to be nothing short of spectacular. From legendary chart-toppers to crowd-pleasing favourites, GuilFest 2025 brings a dazzling variety of acts to the stage. Get ready to dance your socks off to music from The Jacksons, Razorlight, and Soul II Soul! Join in on the infectious vibe of the Stereo MC’s and take in the legends that brought us all the hits we love – like Leo Sayer and The Bay City Rollers, and more under wraps!

So, whether your thing is soulful grooves, catchy indie anthems, or noises from your youth, there’s something for everyone on the line up!

More Than Just Music

But GuilFest is not only about the music – it is a full weekend experience whatever your age. Families will love the variety of entertainment provided for the little ones. There are two very special guests this year – Bluey on Saturday 5th July and Peppa Pig on Sunday 6th July – meet and greets that your children will remember and you will want to get some snaps of those special moments.

Whether you’re on the stage or in the family zones, GuilFest has a delightful offering of food and drink stalls, comedy performances, wellness zones, craft market, and much, much more – ensuring that the stage is set for a sunny, fun-filled weekend of music and community.

Don’t Miss Out

If you’ve been thinking about making your summer plans, now is your chance. With tickets going fast, don’t miss out on what is expected to be the best GuilFest yet.

So, grab some mates, rally the family, do what you need to do, and get ready for a weekend to remember! Get your tickets, let the countdown to GuilFest 2025 begin!

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Sensations of the Solstice at Wasing (Review – 2025)

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Solstice At Wasing - Artist - Âpe Chimba 7 - Photo Credit @Wasing1759

We’d heard Solstice at Wasing, near Reading, was a festival of interest. Seeing it celebrates the rites of summer and vaguely interested we went along on Fri.  

Wow. 

What a beautiful festival.  From entering through a leafy canopy of trees and jungle-covered ‘corridor through to the main ‘stage’ – a creation of the tallest of trees surrounding the band and their entranced audience.  Honestly, of all the festivals we have been to over the years, this is one of the prettiest.  

Things we particularly loved.  

• The wild swimming and sauna – we loved the idea of it,but book early or you’ll be disappointed. And the idea of welcoming the sunrise in at 3, – Oh well, next year….

• The Sweet and stylish independent sellers – We particularly loved the clothes by Challo

• Salif Keita – hearing that richest of voices ring out amongst the shades of green was particularly amazing

Solstice At Wasing - Artist - Salif Keita 3 - Photo Credit @Wasing1759
Solstice At Wasing – Artist – Salif Keita 3 – Photo Credit @Wasing1759

• Anoushka Shankar’s spellbinding set – a mesmerising journey through her trilogy of mini-albums, blending classical sitar with bold, contemporary sounds. Her performance beneath the trees created a moment of pure magic.

Solstice At Wasing - Artist - Anoushka Shankar 2 - Photo Credit @Wasing1759
Solstice At Wasing – Artist – Anoushka Shankar 2 – Photo Credit @Wasing1759


• Moonji’s ice-cream – it’s the smallest touches that this festival has an abundance of, and the taste of Moonjiicecreams has my mouth watering at the memory of them…

• The ambiance – characterised by respect, softness in the best of ways, friendly, clean, Solstice largely seems toattract a different kind of crowd, not looking for the usual excess. (No judgement there on our part, – ever). 

The candles and coves, the perfectly choreographed havens and hammocks. This intimately special festival really is a stunner.

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Celebrate the Magic of the Solstice at Wasing’s Woodland Haven this Weekend

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Solstice At Wasing

On Friday, June 20th, people around the world will be celebrating the summer solstice under the same sky — truly an event that connects us all, regardless of borders or time zones. Wasing’s secluded forests offer the opportunity for a weekend filled with live music, shared experiences, and pure elemental magic.

From lush grooves to soulful melodies, the team has curated a rich and vibrant programme made up of artists from all over the world. Some of the key acts include James Blake, Anoushka Shankar, Salif Keita, Alex Serra, Âpe Chimba, The Egg, Sam Lee, Nubiyan Twist, K.O.G., The Turbans, Afrosideral, Tritha, Skyrager (Psychemagik), Omer Gonen-Haela, ÆVERY, Di-Pod, Mira Khanya, Rebecca Dennis, Chris Park, Jill Purce, Rupert Sheldrake, Soul Revolution, Wonderment and Wider Horizons. For the full line up head to www.wasing.co.uk/solstice,

A highlight of the weekend will be the Sunrise Ceremony; a ceremony of people together to receive the first rays of the sun – to celebrate renewal, oneness and nature’s power to inspire awe. As day yields to night, the Sacred Glade awakens a midnight fire, with intimate performances under a sky filled with stars bringing together wilderness, art and community.

We’re proud to be supporting Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) — an extraordinary humanitarian organisation delivering life-saving care all over the world, wherever it’s needed most. With every ticket you buy, we’ll donate £2 directly to Médecins Sans Frontières (UK) (registered charity number 1026588), helping them continue their vital work across more than 70 countries.

Tickets
Grab your spot for the weekend — whether you want to come just for a day or stay for it all.

Vehicle Pass
If you’re driving to the festival, please make sure you book a vehicle pass in advance.

Tipi Accommodation
Tipis can be reserved here and are completely set up with beds, linen, lighting and a supply of local water, toilet and shower facilities. Take your own towels and provisions, and reserve your festival and vehicle passes separately.

Camping
Access to our campsite is included with all Solstice festival tickets on a bring your own tent or campervan basis. The campsite opens at 12pm on Friday 20th June and closes at 4pm on Saturday 21st June.

If you are bringing a vehicle, please purchase a campsite vehicle pass here
The campsite facilities include toilets & access to drinking water.

Accessibility
For all access information, please see the [accessibility guide]. Tickets for accessible events must be accompanied by appropriate documentation and submitted to events@wasing.co.uk 3 weeks from the booking date. All ages are welcome; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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